Modern, surreal interiors within landmark architecture meld to create Le Cirque 2000. Our goal was to accent the fantastic design while enhancing the beautiful existing structure. As the building’s landmark status prohibited any attachment to the existing framework, our solution was to use the new architectural elements as light sources, creating ambient glows and highlights.

Numerous examples of these creative techniques for internal illumination can be found throughout the restaurant. The Gold Room Bar features four torchieres that provide diffusive light and support two ellipses of dimmable colored neon. Light emanates from sandblasted glass panels on both the front and back of the bar. These panels were lit fiberoptically, positioning the sources within an accessible, remote location.

In the Madison Room, the primary sources of ambient light are integrated into the steel bases of the repeated glass panels, uplighting the ornate ceiling and backlighting the panels themselves. Fixtures attached to the banquettes, which arch over the seated patron, enhance the table lighting. This restaurant is a truly successful marriage of landmark architecture and innovative interior design, united by light.